When working alongside professional membership associations, it’s expected to be able to juggle multiple responsibilities, including full-time work in conjunction to commitments to membership associations.
While association work is often voluntary and driven by passion for industry, it can sometimes feel like a second job, and one without clear boundaries or compensation. It can feel like a real challenge to successfully balance both without succumbing to burnout.
The Hidden Toll of Association Work
Professional membership associations play a crucial role in providing professional growth, networking and career development. However, for the dedicated professionals who keep these organisations running, the workload can sometimes feel overwhelming.
A plethora of responsibilities such as committee meetings, event planning and member engagement often occur outside regular working hours, eating into personal time and stretching already thin resources.
While association work provides opportunities for career advancement and professional visibility, the additional workload can lead to exhaustion, stress and burnout. This is particularly true when professionals find it hard to draw the line between their paid employment and voluntary responsibilities.
Recognise the Signs
Burnout doesn’t just happen overnight – watch for creeping signs:
- Fatigue
- Decrease motivation & engagement
- Feeling overwhelmed
- Irritability and frustration
If you recognise these symptoms, it’s time to take proactive steps to prevent burnout.
Maintain Balance
Balancing paid and association working doesn’t have to be exhausting. Consider these steps:
Set Boundaries
Just as work hours are defined in a full-time job, establish boundaries for association work as well. Limit your availability for meetings and tasks to specific time slots to prevent associations duties from spilling over into personal and professional time.
Prioritise & Delegate
Not every task will require your direct involvement. Delegates responsibilities within your association committee or leverage administrative support services to manage routine tasks. This ensures that workloads are distributed evenly.
Administrative Support
Professional administrative support for professional membership associations can be extremely helpful. From managing emails, scheduling meetings, handing membership renewals and taking the lead on events, outsourcing these tasks allows the association’s leaders to focus on strategic decision-making rather than day-to-day operations.
Take Breaks
Rest is crucial. Schedule downtime just as you would schedule meetings. Take breaks in between tasks, rest your eyes from your screen, and prioritise self-care to recharge your energy levels.
Use Technology
Automation, AI, and other digital tools can significantly reduce manual effort. If you don’t already, look into digital platforms for email marketing, membership records, and event management. This can help you save hours of administrative work, making it easier to balance responsibilities.
Communicate
If your volunteering is affecting your primary job performance, have an open conversation with your employer or association leadership. Many organisations value their employee’s involvement in industry groups and may offer support.
Let us know in the comments your top tips for balancing work, association and home responsibilities!